Oculus reports sales jump 52 percent

Petaluma biotech company Oculus Innovative Sciences saw revenue grow 52 percent to $1.8 million in the first quarter as the swine flu epidemic drove sales of its Microcyn anti-infection liquid.

Still, Oculus reported a net loss of $3.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, due largely to sales and marketing costs.

Microcyn hasn?t been approved as a way to prevent swine flu, but Oculus said independent lab studies showed it was effective in killing the virus.

Oculus doubled its sales in Mexico last quarter, compared to the same period a year ago, the company said last week.

Microcyn-based products also are sold in the U.S, Europe, China and India. Microcyn hasn?t been cleared as a drug in the U.S., but it is approved for cleaning wounds.

Oculus has about 26 employees.